David from Portland, OR

12/18/2015

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 of 23

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In three sentences

A lovely, engaged, and beautiful campus. Definitely a small college (a good thing!)- I visited a class and saw over two-thirds of the class again as I walked around campus throughout the day. All of the professors I met were passionate and intelligent.

Anonymous

I didn't try any food while I was there, but the dining hall seemed nice and there's a cute little cafe with milkshakes called the Black Squirrel.

Dorm Life

The dorms seem like the average college dorms, although the one I saw on my tour had an on-suite bathroom.

Academic Rigor

Sarah Lawrence has an incredibly unique academic system. There are weekly individual meetings with professors, no real tests or grades, and a completely open curriculum. If you want an incredibly rigorous education, you could have one.

Michaela, rising Junior

06/03/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
4 of 23

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Greek Life

There is no Greek Life, but students can socialize through clubs, parties, events, classes, and daily interactions. Sarah Lawrence students can be both extroverted and introverted, and the student body caters to this. Never is there an obligation to join or participate in anything, only to love and express who you are however you want.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Every Halloween, aside from some alternative costumes parading around campus, there is a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show with a full shadowcast performing along with the movie. This event attracts a pretty large audience, and students have a ball screaming out the callbacks and cheering on their friends. Another tradition takes place at the beginning of every conference week: Midnight Breakfast. Beforehand, there are performances by the school's male and female a cappella groups, then students surge through Bates' doors to find an array of breakfast foods and music blasting all around. Toward the end of the event, when everyone is done eating, they form dance circles in the middle of the dining hall and release any stress before buckling down to work.

What to do for fun

There are weekly dances, open mics, arts & crafts, movie screenings, and various other activities to attend. Sometimes clubs will host dinners or informal events, and theater or dance productions are open to all. There are craft talks, discussions, carnivals, and barbecues when the weather is nice. Watching sporting events and the halftime shows is a hidden treat for those who attend. Bronxville is a lovely town just a 10-minute walk away, where SLC students can find discounts in several stores and restaurants. On the other side of campus, the Cross County Mall in Yonkers is right across the way from Hill House. Each town has its own train station following the Harlem line, which students frequently take to spend a day in NYC.

Food and Dining

In the past year, Sarah Lawrence has been making great strides in providing healthier, more diverse food options for its students. Every facility offers distinct services, which diversify a student's choices for each meal: In the Pub, students can purchase a meal, or just a snack in between classes. There are options for vegans, vegetarians, those on gluten-free diets, and those who eat Kosher. Bates is the main dining hall, with a buffet-style self service and three seating areas. One nice treat here are the themed meals, from an Italian night to a Latin-American night, which feature specialty foods and music blasting all around. There are meals for holidays and before the Formal dances as well. Just try not to overeat and be aware of what you are eating. The Black Squirrel is a great hang-out spot with a student-run milkshake bar that offers both regular and non-dairy shakes, as well as cookies, popcorn, ramen, and bagels or toast. It all depends on what they have in stock for that week. The Atrium Cafe, located in the Visual Arts Building, mostly serves coffee and tea, but has some snacks and breakfast pastries for sale as well. The library's Copyright Cafe, installed summer 2014, was a massive hit this year. It provides smoothies of all kinds--even coffee smoothiesÃ¢Â?Â?as well as coffee and hot chocolate. Students can do work here, and during conference week it is often home to special items such as free coffee and donuts or free granola balls. Finally, Hill2Go is located in the Hill House dorm, and is a miniature grocery store available to all students.

Dorm Life

The dorms are scattered throughout campus and your living experience really depends on which building you reside in that year. The architecture, like the student body, is rather eclectic, ranging from converted old tudor-style houses, actual houses on a street running alongside main campus, constructed townhouses, and even a 6-story apartment building. Due to this, there is no unified dorm lifeÃ¢Â?Â?. Small communities among the residents tend to form, and are fostered by the Resident Advisors. For example, the students living in the top floor of Westlands, the admissions building, often become their own little family. Students residing in the admissions building may sound odd, but several dorms have faculty offices and classrooms nestled among the studentsÃ¢Â?Â? rooms. It is rare that these will cause much disturbance, as the offices are usually on the ground floor or accessible through a separate entrance while the living spaces are in the upper floors. Two residential buildings also feature dance studios on their ground floors. Because many of the dorms were built over a century or two ago, they are more prone to issues with plumbing and radiators than the newer buildings on campus, but these disturbances are usually fixed within a day or two. In terms of social life, frequent parties and simple get-togethers take place in dorms, or at least begin there. Some houses suit small get-togethers in the common areas or rooms, while others can hold larger groups of people. Hill House, albeit far from main campus, forms a community within its walls. Students can take the elevator/stairs to friends' apartments, or just walk down the hall to pay a visit. However, there are specified quiet and substance-free floors and buildings if you prefer to abstain from parties. If you live in one of these spaces, and happen to spend a night out with friends, it's comforting to come home to a silent building so you can sleep peacefully. With most buildings featuring full kitchens, dinner parties are common, and some houses hold cook/bake-offs. Though each building is unique, you will eventually feel part of a cozy house or apartment complex, instead of a collection of standard-issue dorms.

Academic Rigor

Sarah Lawrence certainly houses a competitive, active learning community comprised of people expressing their novel approaches to courses. In the first conference--individual meeting outside of class time--with a don or professor, he/she will inquire about your interests and initial impressions of the course. Intuitive and apt, professors can attain a great sense of your academic personality, or how you work and interpret the lessons, and of your potential. Most classes, creative or academic, will have hefty amount of reading. You really learn how to manage your time, where on campus you focus best, and how to prioritize some work over others. It is important to stay on top of weekly assignments so you can remain an active participant in discussions and conference. Even the lectures section off some time for student input, which soon becomes a forum for both listening to other students and contributing your own opinion. Professors are usually approachable enough to confide in if you're lost or encountering problems outside the classroom. When writer's block hits, your professor can assist you in narrowing your focus, drafting an outline, and reviewing rough drafts of your conference paper step by step. Some professors encourage interdisciplinary work, while others prefer you remain within the confines of the course topic. Either way, when you hand in the final twenty-page paper or large work of another medium, you may just pinch yourself that you accomplished something you are truly passionate about.

In three sentences

Sarah Lawrence is a haven for individuals. If you are seeking intense discussions, self-discovery, and a community of free-thinkers, this school meets and often exceeds that criteria. Every student is a character, every professor a source of enthusiasm, inspiration, and guidance throughout your four years.

Nichole from New York, NY

03/26/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
5 of 23

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What to do for fun

There are always SLC events planned almost every other night. There are open mics in a club like scene on campus called the Black Squirrel, music shows with DJs and live music in the Blue Room the tea house and the NYC night life is always cool to check out.

Food and Dining

It could have been worse. SLC dining has its days in which it's pretty decent. It's just not that great most of the time.

Dorm Life

Living on campus is expensive, the houses are super cute (like the ones on Mead Way and Glen Washington) and you can be living right above your class so there's no rush. The party scene gets a bit intense for short periods of time and makes it hard to sleep if you don't get a quiet roommate. Also there are way too many triples in rooms that should be doubles.

Academic Rigor

This place is as relaxing or demanding as you want it to be. Almost every student here has a constant drive to learn so they control their own work load. It depends on the department too. As a Music Third, one am able to take as many components as one wishes, while if you only take academic courses, it is limited but you have more time to explore your subjects more thoroughly.

Tips for prospective students

You will be free and able to explore your thing - regardless of how specific it is. The faculty here are honest and will guide you or find the most capable person they know to help you find and explore any field you desire. There are no boundaries that I've ever come across. Don't be alarmed at the amount of work an average SLC student does in one year because it will be about something they crave to know more about.

In three sentences

This is a special school and you will not find any other like it. The students and faculty are pleasant, open-minded and sensitive. This is a wonderful, welcoming and accepting environment.

Amanda from Miami, FL

We get emails if anything bad is happening ion caps and there is always campus police everywhere.

Greek Life

There is NO GREEK LIFE!

Clubs and Activities

The activities are really well made and the clubs too although not that many people come because some people in SLC are very anti-social and don't like to follow the crowd.

Great for these types of students

I believe SLC is a school for every student except the people that are into athletics like football because we don't have a football team. SLC is filled with different types of people from so many different places.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are many squirrels all over campus. There are a lot of people smoking outside especially in the north lawn and the laundry places people leave their cloth every where.

Bang for the buck

SLC is very expensive but they give you a lot of financial aid if you like the campus and want to go you should apply and see how much money the scholarship committee will give you.

What to do for fun

There are many parties in the blue room every friday and saturday where bands perform. There is also a lot of events but many people do not show up. The best events are the fall formal and spring formal where everyone shows up to dance!

Food and Dining

I really love the food because it is really fresh in Bates although there are a lot of people now in campus so it a gets a bit chaotic. They should open a new food place!

Dorm Life

If you get the good dorms in the middle of the campus it is not that bad although you will not have air conditioning if you get the hill house dorms its pretty far from campus and does not help you when you have to wake up early to go to a class.

Academic Rigor

The best thing about the school its the teacher and how rigorously they want us to succeed and learn by reading. We read a lot and write a lot.

Tips for prospective students

Try to get the best dorms, considerably not in hill house because its very hectic and five minutes away from the center of the campus. Try to eat the earliest possible or the latest possible not at 12:30 because everyone is there at that time in Bates.

In three sentences

It is an awesome place to learn how to think for oneself and get challenged. It is beautiful and there is a good atmosphere depending on the people you hang out with. The food isn't that bad either but we need another cafeteria.

Anonymous

12/30/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
7 of 23

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Great for these types of students

LGBT students Feminist students

Bang for the buck

Sarah Lawrence is extremely expensive, and often times you may be wondering where the money is going for. Dormitories are very outdated, as are the many facilities, and the lack of anything beyond mediocre dining options will be very bothering.

What to do for fun

In the warmer seasons, you can usually find a crowd to mingle in at North Lawn, but during the colder seasons, it's up to you to find some entertainment.

Food and Dining

Bates is your typical buffet type cafeteria, but the food options can get monotonous. Still, surprises are possible. The Pub is like a tiny restaurant, but the small menu and extremely long wait times and non-consistent level of quality make it very unappealing after a couple of weeks. Hill 2 Go is a small store in Hill House that sells a very limited selection of very overpriced groceries. You can also get bagels, muffins and coffee at the cafe in the arts center.

Dorm Life

If you live in Hill House, you're basically in an apartment building. The problem is that people are prone to making noise complains for the smallest disturbances and this can be a burden. Thankfully, there's a large level of liberty in your living spaces. You need to be smart and mindful, but if you have good roommates, you should have no problem enjoying your room. Still, it's clear that facilities need to be updated, and poor wifi is a problem.

Academic Rigor

Very heavy focus on reading and writing, meaning reading up to entire 200-300 page books weekly for some classes, and eventual conference papers.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you visit and pay attention to the people who are going here. There is a very specific environment at SLC, one that focuses on women's rights and interests, as well as that of gays and trans students. This may not necessarily be a bad thing, but if you don't fall into these groups, you can feel very disconnected from the general college environment. The city is always a great option, but it may not always be the most affordable. SLC isn't a party school but there are many people here desperate to party, so keep that in mind. Also, SLC is pretty diverse, but there's still a large number of upper class white students here, and this can also bring a large level of disconnect, keep this in mind.

In three sentences

It's the ultimate liberal college. If you want a smaller class experience with teachers who honestly care about you, you've hit the jackpot. Unfortunately, the small size is a double edged sword.

The Black Squirrel (our student-ran coffeehouse where you can get milkshakes, play pool, etc) The Teahouse (our space for organic teas by donation) The Blue Room (Where all the late night dances go down)

Bang for the buck

While Sarah Lawrence has a great academic pedagogy unlike anywhere else, Sarah Lawrence is still a very expensive college.

What to do for fun

Take a train and head to new york city! Only 20 minutes away by train.

Food and Dining

We have two dining areas on campus. One is called bates (our larger buffet style cafeteria) and the pub (an order by menu space).

Dorm Life

Most of our dorms are old mansions that the school has turned into dorms. This makes for sometimes beautiful dorms that feel more like homes. Unfortunately, the social life in dorms is lacking.

CAROLYN from Miami, FL

If you love to write and read, like cozy atmospheres and calling your professors by their first name.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have a fox on campus that everyone is always looking for. It has its own facebook page and is subject to a lot of conversation.

Bang for the buck

Expensive.

What to do for fun

there are always things going on in the campus, they have events almost every other night. The city is also really close so there is always that.

Food and Dining

the food is largely tasteless most of the time but it is edible.

Dorm Life

The dorms are spacious and if you stay in the houses, they are old and gorgeous.

Academic Rigor

Academically rigorous. Conference work is a lot like graduate school work.

Tips for prospective students

Sarah Lawrence highly values how passionate you are about attending this school. Make sure your application reflects that. It is extremely writing intensive, you will be doing a lot of work comparatively, but it is a fantastic learning experience.

In three sentences

Fantastic staff, very professional and caring and always respond to emails expediently. Great financial aid. Beautiful campus.

Happy SLCer

03/18/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I always feel very safe on campus. Campus security definitely does a good job with this, they patrol every evening. There are shuttles to take around campus once it gets dark so you do not have to walk alone.

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of ways to get involved on campus, no matter what you want to do. They have several club fairs to help new students get involved! Sometimes scheduling and participation is difficult because everyone has very busy schedules.

Great for these types of students

Fashionistas, theatre nerds, band geeks, fervent political minds, art kids, book worms, anyone who is serious about their work, all unique minds, and anyone who has ever felt left out will feel right at home.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Yoko Ono statue! Pride Rock! The Blue Room- many a dance parties! The hot rocks (people sit on these because they are warm and above the water heaters)! Gosh, everything is pretty unusual now that I think about it...

Bang for the buck

There is a lot of buzz about the price tag of SLC, but I definitely think that the classes and environment are worth what I am paying to go to the school. They are known for large financial aid packages as well, so don't let the large sticker price deter you. The professors and classes are amazing, I don't know of anywhere else you can go that is quite the same caliber.

What to do for fun

Go into the city! Go to the numerous plays/concerts on campus- we have a fantastic theatre, dance, and music program so even if you are not involved in any of these it is still a great event to attend. Sometimes it is nice just to hang out in the dorm and watch a movie with friends- it is a cozy way to end or begin the week.

Food and Dining

The food, as most will say, is not awful but also not superb. Since there are only three places to get food from this sometimes makes options slim but usually between the Pub and the dining hall (Bates) you can find something appetizing. The dining hall is always great for people watching and having a nice social meal.

Dorm Life

The dorms are not always the most clean/nice, but on main campus the buildings are gorgeous and most rooms are fairly spacious. Everyone is close by and it is easy to go visit my friends even if they live in a different building. Living in dorms at SLC is not a bad thing, most students do!

Academic Rigor

SLC is challenging because you have to think critically. In my classes I have learned more than I could have imagined and it has stuck! When you are reading and writing constantly, you learn a lot and really understand what you're learning. In conference I get to explore whatever I want which makes the learning more fabulous!

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you work your butt off-- completing your conference papers is very rewarding. Don't be afraid to say hello to people and meet new friends-- everyone is different and from all around the world, it has been a wonder to meet so many different people. Lastly, go into the city!!-- you are so close to one of the most fabulous cities in the world, go check it out in museums, poetry readings, restaurants, concerts, everything! It is worth it!

In three sentences

The campus is gorgeous and so are the students! Everyone works very hard but also knows how to manage their time and have fun. The atmosphere is unique but I would not have it any other way.

Miriam from Houston, TX

01/18/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

It is definitely not hard to spot campus security rollin' around; however, they are really relaxed and don't tend to bother anyone unless there is an obvious problem. They know the difference between students relaxing and having a couple drinks versus someone who needs to get to the hospital.

Greek Life

We don't have Greek life!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Our registration process is antiquated, but kinda cool! Instead of banally signing up for some classes on the computer because you have to take it because it's a core course or you need it for your major, we have interviews! In the beginning of each semester, you search madly through the course catalogue and find usually between 6-8 classes that you want to take (some people find 15+!), and then you interview your professors. You schedule a meeting with them where you tell them why you want to take their class, and they explain to you what the syllabus is and what type of student they're looking for. If you decide that the class is a good fit for you, you tell your don, and s/he signs a piece of paper that you take to the registrar. This process may seem weird, but it's aimed to allow you to understand fully what you're getting into before signing up for the class. One of the biggest complaints among college students was that they had a class that could've potentially been awesome, but it was destroyed by a horrible professor--with SLC's system, you don't run that risk.

Bang for the buck

The rumors are true! SLC is the most expensive college in the US currently. BUT(!!) I honestly believe that it is worth every cent. You can practically create your own curriculum (with some guidance from your don) to explore things you would never explore or really go as far into your favorite topic. All the classes are appealing and one of the biggest complaints I hear from my peers are how they're going to narrow down their potential classes. We do only take 3 classes per semester, but the amount of time you spend on your conference work makes those five credits seem like it should actually be ten. I transferred in from a state university where I took 19 credit hours per semester, and I never worked half as hard there as I did at SLC. It's really easy to slack off in your classes because there are no tests or quizzes, but eventually it will catch up to you, and you'll wish you hadn't. Besides, with the wide range and variety of classes, there's a huge chance you won't even want to slack off because you'll be so excited for your class's next meeting!

What to do for fun

A lot of people like to go to NYC for fun on the weekends. It's only a 30 minute train ride and $14 round-trip. Some students just like to hang out with their friends, and since mostly everyone lives on campus and it's such a small school, it's pretty easy to find people to hang out with.

Food and Dining

Other than NYC (which is expensive and takes a while to get to), the only options for off-campus dining are Bronxville and Yonkers. Yonkers is pretty sketchy, so people don't tend to go there, and Bronxville is very expensive. It has a few really nice restaurants though, so if you have money to spend you'd more than likely enjoy it. As for food on campus, there are a few places you could go. Bates Dining Hall is SLC's main cafeteria. It's open at convenient hours and has a pretty wide variety of options. The Pub is awesome because it has burgers and fries and things like that. The Teahaus is nice, but they don't do too much food--mostly tea and coffee. Hill2Go is the last place, but the only people who go there are the people who live in the dorm Hill House (it's pretty far from main campus).

Dorm Life

There are so many dorms on SLC campus! Most of the SLC student body live on campus for all four years because it's very expensive to live off campus and the dorms are so cool. Many of them are just converted homes from the late 1800's/early 1900's. Everyone living in a dorm has an RA, but they're all really cool if you get to know them. Your first year at SLC you'll probably live in a double or a triple, but after your first year you should have no problem getting a single if that's what you want.

Academic Rigor

SLC is very demanding academically; however, you have a lot of support. SLC is not traditional in the sense that they have midterms and finals like most schools--we have conference work. Our conferences are essentially large research papers or projects that you work on with your professor throughout the semester. Every student meets with their teachers every other week to discuss their conference work, and by the end of the semester you have this huge project to turn in (unless you're in a year-long class, which has some exceptions). This may sound like a lot, but your professors really help you out. Every student also has a don, who is basically an advisor. Most students become very close with their don and confide in them with everything.

Tips for prospective students

SLC is a great, nurturing environment for its first years (and transfer students). Every first year student (not transfers) are enrolled in an FYS (First Year Studies) class where they will spend the entire year with other fellow first years. This is a great way for students to get to know their class. There are no classes that have more than 15 people in them except lecture classes (which you only need to take four of in order to graduate and only have 60 people maximum). The school really tries to nurture and create a loving environment for what can be an incredibly stressful transition for first years. In the beginning of the year, they have a lot of events which are meant for all the new students to mingle and get to know one another.

In three sentences

Sarah Lawrence is different and does not appeal to just any student. It requires self-motivation, ambition, and academic integrity. Without those things you will either hate SLC or eventually get kicked out.

Kaitlyn from Brooklyn, NY

11/27/2012

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

12 of 23

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Greek Life

Does not exist, sadly.

Clubs and Activities

There are clubs I never would of thought of. They're unique, creative and really involves more than just the same kind of people but people with various interests and likes about one thing or the other.

Great for these types of students

This school is a great place for ANYONE. If your willing to learn, you will soar and reach high potentials.

Food and Dining

They have a whole building made to get and eat food. You pay by student card and you can have almost anything your in the mood for. It's kinda like your own personal kitchen with a twist.

Dorm Life

With limited number of dorms and houses available for the students and with senior first pick, it is a crazy journey dorm picking for starters. I was told that you learn to live on your own with people to support you. You will make a lot of people who you will get along with that you never thought you ever would. It's an experience I hope I can get there.

Academic Rigor

The facilitators work one on one with you to learn new things, to see things in a new angle and light, and help you to grow. I heard many good things about them, especially the fact that many have the top degrees in the field they teach. They will help guide you on your way to do whatever you want in life. The fact there is no majors, made me think this school didn't even exist but looking more into it, it was made to be different than other colleges. You don't need to take all these mandatory classes to get a degree in how many years. You can change what you want a hundred times until you find what you really like doing and everyone there will help you. They won't say you have to start all over again. You'll just learn in a different way, not the really hard way.

Poetry student at SLC

A very safe campus. Some of the surrounding areas are not as safe, but the campus itself is very secure.

Greek Life

There is no greek life.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many passionate students here. If there isn't already a club established, just form one! There are a lot of LGBT clubs, Environmental clubs, etc.

Great for these types of students

Sarah Lawrence is a very accepting place. To be honest, the only thing you can't really be here is a republican!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Teahaus is a cute, quaint spot to get some tea and finish your reading.

Bang for the buck

It's so expensive to attend Sarah Lawrence, but if you're truly passionate about something it's certainly worth it. Take advantage of the time with your professors, because that's what is really going to make it worth your time and money.

What to do for fun

There are always a few small parties happening. They tend to involve 10- 15 people hanging out in a dorm or apartment. Anything larger usually gets broken up, so parties tend to wander from place to place. I prefer to take the train into the city with friends, as it's more interesting!

Food and Dining

There are a few places to eat on campus. Bates, the cafeteria, is buffet style and mediocre. They have a nice salad bar however, and if you're vegetarian you will still have a lot of options.

Dorm Life

It's very small... Every year the school accepts more and more students, and so there is less housing. I've had some pretty awful living situations, including sharing one room with two other girls. I would recommend living off campus with friends if you can swing it.

Academic Rigor

This school is what you make of it. A lot of it is composed of independent work, so if you are not particularly enthusiastic or dedicated you can slide by easily. However, if you are ambitious and passionate the work never seems to end.

Tips for prospective students

Ask a lot of questions! Try talking to a professor of your field of interest, because it's the professors that make the school so amazing.

In three sentences

This school fits a certain type of student. If you're independent, liberal, and creatively inclined you will fit in well. If you're passionate about your studies, you will really appreciate the one on one time you get with your professors.

Gotta love it

11/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
14 of 23

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Campus Safety

Although most emails received from the Safety Operations at Sarah Lawrence are comical, there are a few unsafe incidents at Sarah Lawrence. Kimball Avenue, a main street that intersects parts of Sarah Lawrence, does have the occasional rowdy driver-by who likes to shout or throw things, but overall Sarah Lawrence could not be seen in anybody's eyes as an unsafe school.

Greek Life

Greek Life is not a part of Sarah Lawrence College, and most students here would say this was a good thing.

Clubs and Activities

If you want to find a group of people who share your interests, there is a club for it. And if there is not a club for it, there is a way to make one. There is much freedom in this department.

Great for these types of students

Students who want to be academically challenged, want to learn from their peers as well as their professors, and students who want to write a lot should all consider Sarah Lawrence.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a quaint tea house that is small and pretty (and functional!) and gets much attention from those touring the campus.

What to do for fun

Despite the small social scene here, with rumors of students flocking to the city for the weekend, there is a party community on the weekends, with school sponsored events sometimes being a main attraction.

Tips for prospective students

Take a tour. You'll know if you'll love it here.

In three sentences

Sarah Lawrence is like no other school. Students here are intellectually engaged, and have a passion for what they study. With the lack of requirements, students are able to take classes in whatever they want, resulting in classes filled with students who want to be there, eager to learn the material.

Adam from NJ

09/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
16 of 23

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Campus Safety

There have been some weird incidents since I've been here, but it's a very safe campus for the most part. Security is everywhere and if a threat ever arises, they seem to take care of and eliminate it. Any incidents here tend to involve students drinking too much, which is something you see at any college. So if you watch what you drink and maybe watch the company you keep, you have nothing to worry about. And honestly, it's a good idea wherever you're living, not to walk alone really late at night. But even then, security is out 24/7 and if you're within the perimeter of the campus, they've got your back, I can tell you that.

Greek Life

Completely non-existent. My friend and I once started a small three-person frat called the Jew Tan Clan. It lasted one day before dissolving.

Clubs and Activities

There's a lot to do here. Maybe not as much as a state university, but that's solely because there are far fewer kids here. And honestly, if you like something and there's nothing for it here, it's really easy to start up a club or an activity and you're bound to find others who are interested in joining you in whatever it is. From ultimate frisbee to drama clubs to book clubs to stitch n b**ch to intramural basketball, there's plenty to do here.

Great for these types of students

I will just say this is *not* a place for people who stick to one line of thinking and refuse to budge. This *is* a place for people who want to broaden their intellectual horizons. People who are willing to see things from more than one point of view. If you consider yourself a deep thinker, you'd definitely fit in here. Hell, if you consider yourself an overthinker you'd probably fit in here. If you consider yourself a theater nerd, you'd definitely fit in here too though. Really any type of artist or intellectual would fit in here and would probably love it here. There aren't many places where you get to work with such amazing professors who are truly top-of-the-class in their fields.

Bang for the buck

This school is amazing. I feel I've learned more here than I learned in the eighteen years I spent in school before I came here combined. I feel I have actually better learned *how to learn*. But this school is extremely expensive, and though financial aid is attainable, it's still straining me economically. It's tough to say the price tag is completely worth it, but this school is truly one-of-a-kind. If you can afford to come here, even if it's a close call, I still recommend you do. The price tag seems hefty at first, but you really get so much for your money. The staff here is amazing. It's just an intellectual haven, and though I wish it wasn't so expensive, it is what it is, and if it's what you truly want, go for it.

What to do for fun

God, this is hard. Fun?!?!?! At Sarah Lawrence?!?!?!? Though honestly there's quite a bit. There are a lot of clubs and activities. There are plenty of lectures given by off-campus professors, editors, authors, even politicians. There are open mics and plenty of on-campus theater productions. There are movie nights and there are parties. They're not your typical Greek Life parties that you might find at a state university, but there are a variety of quirkier, smaller party settings that seem to befit the majority of Sarah Lawrence students. You'll find things to do, even if it is just chilling in your room scrolling along your dashboard on tumblr or playing Slenderman over and over again until you're no longer freaked out.

Food and Dining

The food here is average. It's really the only part of this school I would ever describe as average. On the bright side there are a lot of decent food places around campus and, well, the City is only about a 20-minute train ride from here. The food is hit or miss in the main dining area, but there are nights where the special looks delectable. The Pub, which is an area where food is grilled/prepared right in front of you, has a wonderful staff, but the ingredients they're provided with are often less-than-stellar. Nonetheless, it's easy to stay full on this campus and that's not necessarily easy to say at every college.

Dorm Life

There are some really bad places to live on campus. But they're all manageable and there's nothing like the 19th century tenements in New York City. You can always live off-campus and if you really can't stand your room and/or roommate, the campus is typically pretty good at moving you somewhere more comfortable. I mean, it is a college, don't expect a lavish luxury suite, but most rooms are decent here and there's nothing to overwhelmingly complain about.

Academic Rigor

Be prepared to learn. Teachers here will throw text after text at you. They will expect you to read and be at least semi-fluent in what they have you read when you're in the classroom setting. Classes (seminars at least) tend to be dictated by the students. These can be amazing if the students have read and thought about what they have read in advance. They can be less than stellar if the majority if the class comes in ignorant of the text (which is, as one might expect, a rarity here). Nonetheless the teachers are amazing facilitators and you better be prepared to read and write your butt off if you come here.

Tips for prospective students

Your essay MATTERS. Do not freak out about SAT scores. Do not freak out if you have a 3.5 GPA because you failed that one big chemistry test your junior year. You can redeem yourself with your essay, for one. But also, this college really looks at your application, and if you can show a true desire to attend the school and a true desire to expand your intellectual horizons, there is no reason why this school would not grant you admittance. I firmly believe that students who want to attend Sarah Lawrence and feel it is the perfect fit for them stand almost no chance of not getting in.

In three sentences

Sarah Lawrence is a place for those who could picture themselves in a modern day Renaissance. It is full of philosophers and photographers, psychologists and painters, art historians and authors, and generally intellectuals and artists. The faculty here is astounding and anyone who chooses to come here and really engage with the learning opportunities provided is bound to expand their intellectual horizon.

Ella from California

08/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Greek Life

Thankfully doesn't exist

Great for these types of students

Great for: motivated students, liberals, independent thinkers, vegetarians or vegans, fans of NYC, people who like a nice campus, people who don't need a Greek life (doesn't exist), girls who are okay with low male ratio, guys who like going to school with a ton of girls

Bang for the buck

SLC is the most expensive school in the country, but I totally feel it's worth it.

What to do for fun

Our proximity to NYC is a big selling point and we do get into New York pretty often. On campus, there is still a ton of stuff to do. There are always shows going up and bands playing. Dances happen almost every weekend and there are always at least a couple parties happening on any weekend night.

Food and Dining

The Dining Hall is terrible. The food is bad 70% of the time. Prepare to become a vegetarian. The Pub is pretty good with some great staff. It helps to have a kitchen. If you live in a dorm without a kitchen, invest in a fridge.

Dorm Life

Like any school, some dorms are great, others not so much. Living in houses, the old dorms, or any where in the Andrews area is great. The New Dorms aren't the best. Having lived in both a house and a new dorm, I preferred the house, but I had a single in the dorm and it was central to campus. Everywhere has pros and cons.

Academic Rigor

Sarah Lawrence does not have tests which may seem easier but those tests are substituted but frequent and difficult papers in every class. For every seminar you take, which is the majority of your classes, you are required to write either a semester or year-long thesis paper about a topic you research on your own. This conference system is ultimately rewarding but incredibly taxing and requires lots of stamina and self-motivation. Professors are great, the classes are diverse, but coursework is often difficult and wearing.

Tips for prospective students

Dining hall food is terrible but the pub isn't too bad. Try to live in a dorm or off-campus apartment with a kitchen; it's a life-saver. Go to all of your classes and conferences because they are so important. This is a very expensive school so get everything you possibly can out of it. If you're interested in student government, this is not the school for you. SLAC is a joke on campus. If you're interested in any of the others, this is the school for you. Most of the community is involved in some kind of creative or performing art and there is a great community of artists. Girls outnumber guys about 7:1. If you can't handle those odds, don't come. Also if you're heavily into sports, don't come.

In three sentences

Sarah Lawrence is devoted to students learning anything and everything they can by providing unrestricted access to professors and incredible courses. Sarah Lawrence is a school that is perfect for bright, independent liberal students who don't wish to be tied down to a certain major or field of study. If you come here, prepare to be challenged in every way and to experience a community unlike any other.

Worth every penny - and it's a lot of pennies, so be sure you MAKE it worth it.

What to do for fun

There are always campus events, such as dances, open mic nights, folk concerts, etc. New York City is a hop, skip, and a 25-minute train away, so you'll never be stranded with nothing to do.

Food and Dining

Dining options are not the best, but that's really not the reason you'd choose to come here anyway :)

Dorm Life

Truly depends on where you live. The dorms range from incredible to lacklustre but even the far away land of Hill House has something to be desired. After your first year, you'll be able to have a bit more control over where you live.

Academic Rigor

Perhaps even more so than most places, Sarah Lawrence is what you make it. With no core curriculum, it is entirely up to you to construct your education and build your path. The teachers will work you, but even more, they'll teach you to work yourself.

Tips for prospective students

Give up any notion of what you think college should be like and you'll be surprised with how much Sarah Lawrence has to offer you and how much you can give back to it. The passion with which you'll learn to devote to yourself and your aspirations will be well worth all that it takes to get you here. For the admissions process, truly just concentrate on being yourself and throw caution to the wind in your essays and you'll know whether or not it's a fit.

In three sentences

Sarah Lawrence is the safest place to explore all aspects of yourself. The faculty and staff are more helpful and loving than you can imagine and the friends you'll make here are the truest ones you'll make anywhere. If that isn't enough, the beautiful campus itself will provide all the support and nurture you need to make it through the arduous winter and the late night conference paper cramming.

Gina from CT

I have never felt unsafe on campus, even in the very wee hours of the morning. Security is usually visible.

Greek Life

Does not exist.

Clubs and Activities

I love the theater group that I am involved with, and I know of several other successful clubs that meet to discuss various social issues. Poetry readings and performances by student songwriters are also very popular. However, some of the college-planned activities are underwhelming.

Midnight Breakfast is an event that happens twice a year during Conference Week (the equivalent of finals). Hundreds of students flock to the cafeteria for free pancakes, French toast, and other tasty breakfast items at midnight, and win prizes.

Bang for the buck

It's what you make of it, but I have found SLC to be personally very fulfilling. The rigorous academics combined with the interesting intellectual make-up of the students means that I am never at a loss for interesting conversation. I do not know of another school that provides such close working relationships between students and professors right from the first year. Also, keep in mind that the sticker price is rarely what anyone pays: financial aid at SLC is as generous as I could have hoped for.

What to do for fun

There are a number of student theater groups that are a lot of fun and inclusive of all ability levels. There are also lots of groups that meet to discuss various social issues. Of course, it is always fun to go explore NYC for a day, or to go to a concert.

Food and Dining

There are basically two places to eat on campus: the Pub and Bates Dining Hall. The Pub (officially the Ruth Leff Siegel Center) offers a la carte options, like pre-made salads and soups, or sandwiches and wraps made to order. This is usually pretty good. Bates, the cafeteria, isn't anything special, but isn't awful either. I will say that we have a fantastic selection of vegetarian and vegan options in the cafeteria, so it is always possible to make a lovely salad.

Dorm Life

As with any school, there are mixed reviews of dorm life here. Personally, I have loved the rooms that I have stayed in. There are some lovely Tudor-style dorms and houses, but then again there is also one rather ugly dorm building (the New Dorms) that I will avoid at all costs.

Academic Rigor

You choose your own level of difficulty and rigor. Many students I know are self-described overachievers, and they end up writing 20 or 25 (or even more!) pages of original research for the end of the semester for each of their classes. Most students take three classes, which have a seminar component and a conference component. Seminars are held around circular tables and are usually capped at 15 students, both of which help foster truly meaningful discussion. The conference portion consists of one-on-one meetings with the professor to develop a research project of the student's own interest, somehow related to the corresponding seminar. As one can imagine, it is rather difficult to slide by when you are the only one in the class!

Tips for prospective students

Academic success SLC is primarily based upon how well you express yourself in writing. If you come here, expect to write lots of research papers, but also stories, poems, even plays. Because it is such a small school, your experience is closely tied to the various personalities you encounter. Take advantage of this: reach out to other students who you want to work with, ask professors questions, even if you are not taking a class with them.

In three sentences

Sarah Lawrence is a small but vibrant community of all the weird kids you knew in high school. With small classes, intense one-on-one work with professors, and in-depth evaluations of one's writing, this school is optimal for students who want to focus on development of ideas rather than letter grades. It is a great place for intellectual exploration, as well as a portal to New York City, which is only a 20-minute train ride away!

Do not fear the cost of tuition. Just apply. In your application, concentrate on your personal essay, as SLC does not consider standardized test scores. The college looks for independent, unique, and driven students.

Bang for the buck

Although Sarah Lawrence is quite pricey (yes, in fact it is the most expensive college in the United States) it is most definitely worth the price. The personal contact with professors, premiere faculty, small class sizes, inspiring student body, location, and unique education is priceless. The college appears to cater to the more affluent, however, they do indeed offer a large amount of financial aid.

Am enjoying being here

Though it can be slightly restrictive socially, it is almost flawless academically. I would not trade the passion of the professors, the talented group of students, or the individualistic orientation of the SLC system of education for anything. The entire education is based upon creativity. It is about generating ideas, creating yourself, and connecting disciplines to understand the world more fully.

Am learning a lot

Sarah Lawrence is most definitely a challenging environment. It is very writing and reading intensive, and the small classes and professor mentorship foster a very personal and authentic education. Classes are generally a mix of grades, creating a high standard in discussion. Professors expect students to not only read and study the material, but to be able to synthesize, connect, and discuss the material.

Erin

09/25/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

14 out of 14 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Independent, focused, motivated students who may not know exactly what they want to study but have varied interests and are inspired by the arts. Also, students willing to work to achieve their goals and who aren't afraid to be individuals.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you are prepared to read, write, and speak up in class. These skills are crucial to the kind of education you will receive here and if any of those aspects make you uncomfortable, this is not the place for you.

Bang for the buck

It really is the most expensive school in the United States so you're definitely paying, but the education is worth it. Also, need-based aid is fairly generous which allows many students to attend, like myself, who would not have been able to afford it otherwise.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is beautiful and New York City is easily accessible. You can always escape to the bright lights, but can easily come back to the trees and suburbs of Bronxville. The professors are great and really work to develop personal relationships with you -- a process also assisted by the small class sizes. I LOVE it here.

Am learning a lot

At Sarah Lawrence, not only do you learn a lot but you question everything you thought you knew. I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge since I began attending in such varied academic areas and I know I am gaining an extremely comprehensive education.

Elizabeth from Cincinnati, OH

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

20 out of 20 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Writing, Art, Political, Dance, Theatre Majors Students who think differently and want to do more than memorize facts for four years.

Tips for prospective students

Work really hard on your essay. Stress points similar to the philosophy of Sarah Lawrence-writing, independent thought, etc. Sarah Lawrence makes sure your thoughts are heard. They want to see your passion and creativity.

Bang for the buck

It's pricey, but Sarah Lawrence gave me alot of financial aid.

Will enjoy being here

Sarah lawrence is a great community for artists, writers, dancers, etc. Dance parties are very common!

Will learn a lot

Sarah Lawrence is all about learning. It is sort of the Juliard for writers. You get in based on your writing, and you do well acedemically because of it. There are very few tests, since most of the curriculum is based on essays. It is unlike any other school in that a professor becomes your mentor, your don, for four years and helps you with every major decision you make. The professors will know your name and will be as close to you as you want them to be.

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